Frequently Asked Questions
Following are some of the most commonly asked questions about Chautauqua Lake and Chautauqua County real estate. I hope you find the answers both informative and helpful. Please feel free to email me any other question(s) you may have. I love to hear from you!
Also, please be sure to check out the extensive list of links to local restaurants, activities, boating and fishing information, skiing information, golfing information, etc. Look for it on the homepage under "Community Links / Info". If there is something you would like information on that you do not find a link for, please let me know and I will be sure to find it and add it!
CHAUTAUQUA LAKE REAL ESTATE - PRE-EXISTING HOMES
♦What is the average sale price of a home on Chautauqua Lake versus on a canal, a condo, or just lake related?
2009 CLOSED DATA - AVERAGES*CHAUTAUQUA LAKE PROPERTIES | |||||||
Prop. Type | List Price | Close Price | Bed's | Baths | Est. SF | DOM | Sales |
Lake Front | 793,869 | 713,611 | 3.0 | 2.5 | 2,334 | 113 | 22 |
'09 Low Sale | 77,921 | 70,000 | 2.0 | 1.0 | 700 | 507 | --- |
'09 High Sale | 3,850,000 | 3,000,000 | 8.0 | 9F/5H | 9,500 | 131 | --- |
Canal Front | 145,555 | 134,977 | 3.0 | 1.0 | 1,489 | 175 | 11 |
'09 Low Sale | 74,900 | 65,750 | 2.0 | 1.0 | 528 | 28 | --- |
'09 High Sale | 249,000 | 233,000 | 3.0 | 2.0 | 1,680 | 44 | --- |
Lake Right | 159,437 | 145,608 | 3.0 | 1.5 | 1,514 | 125 | 12 |
'09 Low Sale | 49,900 | 41,900 | 1.0 | 1.0 | 648 | 21 | --- |
'09 High Sale | 249,000 | 232,500 | 4.0 | 3.0 | 2,520 | 277 | --- |
Condo | 399,300 | 401,628 | 2.0 | 2.0 | 1,512 | 24 | 13 |
'09 Low Sale | 125,000 | 115,000 | 1.0 | 1.0 | 629 | 241 | --- |
'09 High Sale | 485,000 | 516,799 | 3.0 | 3.0 | 1,657 | 0 | --- |
*All data for 2009 Chautauqua Lake closed property averages, as above, derived from Chautauqua County Board of Realtors website.
2008 CLOSED DATA - AVERAGES*CHAUTAUQUA LAKE PROPERTIES | |||||||
Prop. Type | List Price | Close Price | Bed's | Baths | Est. SF | DOM | Sales |
Lake Front | 401,347 | 356,691 | 3.0 | 1.5 | 1,800 | 110 | 28 |
'08 Low Sale | 109,900 | 100,000 | 2.0 | 2.0 | 1,203 | 2 | --- |
'08 High Sale | 895,000 | 825,000 | 4.0 | 2.5 | 2,669 | 116 | --- |
Canal Front | 167,670 | 161,383 | 2.0 | 1.5 | 1,379 | 117 | 6 |
'08 Low Sale | 79,700 | 79,000 | 2.0 | 1.0 | 792 | 50 | --- |
'08 High Sale | 425,000 | 422,000 | 3.0 | 2.5 | 1,691 | 54 | --- |
Lake Right | 189,623 | 174,149 | 3.0 | 1.0 | 1,653 | 118 | 33 |
'08 Low Sale | 55,000 | 46,000 | 2.0 | 1.0 | 792 | 350 | --- |
'08 Low Sale | 45,000 | 46,000 | 1.0 | 1.0 | 728 | 10 | --- |
'08 High Sale | 449,900 | 449,900 | 6.0 | 3.0 | 4,000 | 123 | --- |
Condo | 219,458 | 203,011 | 2.0 | 1.5 | 1,165 | 214 | 9 |
'08 Low Sale | 119,900 | 107,500 | 1.0 | 1.0 | 629 | 385 | --- |
'08 High Sale | 349,000 | 326,000 | 3.0 | 2.5 | 1,450 | 141 | --- |
*All data for 2008 Chautauqua Lake closed property averages, as above, derived from Chautauqua County Board of Realtors website.
2007 CLOSED DATA - AVERAGES*CHAUTAUQUA LAKE PROPERTIES | |||||||
Prop. Type | List Price | Close Price | Bed's | Baths | Est. SF | DOM | Sales |
Lake Front | 421,707 | 379,200 | 3.0 | 2.0 | 1,883 | 127 | 29 |
'07 Low Sale | 135,000 | 135,150 | 2.0 | 1.0 | 1,056 | 267 | --- |
'07 High Sale | 1,150,000 | 984,250 | 6.0 | 5.0 | 4,280 | 217 | --- |
Canal Front | 128,643 | 115,071 | 2.0 | 1.5 | 1,161 | 59 | 7 |
'07 Low Sale | 49,900 | 44,000 | 2.0 | 1.0 | 1,319 | 0 | --- |
'07 High Sale | 189,000 | 185,000 | 2.0 | 1.5 | 1,053 | 0 | --- |
Lake Right | 224,829 | 202,428 | 3.0 | 1.0 | 1,731 | 113 | 28 |
'07 Low Sale | 69,000 | 65,500 | 2.0 | 1.0 | 1,100 | 177 | --- |
'07 High Sale | 399,500 | 399,500 | 3.0 | 3.0 | 1,500 | 2 | --- |
Condo | 194,800 | 185,719 | 2.0 | 1.5 | 1,060 | 149 | 8 |
'07 Low Sale | 165,000 | 160,000 | 2.0 | 1.5 | 865 | 290 | --- |
'07 Low Sale | 169,900 | 160,000 | 2.0 | 2.0 | 1,140 | 78 | --- |
'07 High Sale | 279,900 | 279,000 | 3.0 | 2.5 | 1,275 | 12 | --- |
*All data for 2007 Chautauqua Lake closed property averages, as above, derived from Chautauqua County Board of Realtors website.
"DOM" refers to Days on Market. This is the timeframe from when a home is listed until it closes. A home can get an accepted offer on day one of being on the market, but take another five months to close because of complications with financing, title, etc. The average closing time for an accepted offer is 60 days.
"Sales" refers to the total number of sales for the specific category of property for that year. In 2009, there were 58 total lakefront and lake related sales (excluding land). In 2008, there were 76 total lakefront and lake related sales (excluding land). In 2007, there were 72 total lakefront and lake related sales (excluding land). See Chautauqua Lake vacant land sales yearly averages below.
♦What is the minimum amount I can purchase a second home for?
Some of the best lake views on the lake come from the Burtis Bay area, which is also the least expensive location. A 745 square foot cottage with 28 feet of lake frontage sold in February 2007 for $49,000. In Lakewood, north of Burtis Bay, another cottage with 25 feet of lakefront sold for $75,000 in 2004. A property with lake rights (not directly on the water) could sell for as low as $55,000. But you should typically budget at least $150,000 if you are shopping for a modest lakefront home with a very small lot located south of Interstate 86. North of I-86, or "north of the bridge", prices typically start to rise. These figures should serve only as a guideline for your information.
♦Can I purchase a foreclosure or get a "steal"?
Please note that foreclosures are typically unheard of in this market. Every lake related home will sell eventually, and every buyer should expect to purchase their home for Fair Market Value as they would expect to sell for same. Let us help educate you on Fair Market Value of our area. You will find this information invaluable as the search for your lakefront home continues.
♦Are there better locations around the lake than others?
We consider location to be partially a personal preference and partially an inventory preference. There are, of course, more desirable areas in any real estate market, lake or otherwise. All of our lakes in Chautauqua County are desirable to someone, somewhere, for some reason. All have many desirable attributes to the right buyer. You will find the way to your dream home, with our knowledge and assistance, based on your unique likes and dislikes and your budget.
♦Is there a better time of year to purchase a lakefront home?
As far as inventory, there is typically a spike in the spring, summer and fall. But on the other hand, there is typically less competition in the winter. You will not find the asking prices varying from season to season in our market.
♦Can I rent my Chautauqua Lake home? How much will I get?
Rentals are a large part of the economy in this lake market. Real Estate Advantage, as well as some of our competitors, offers extensive vacation property rental services. You can visit our partners website at www.RichardLakefront.com for his list of rentals, prices, availability, and services offered the renters. Rental rates are determined by the type of lake property you have, how many people you can sleep in the house, what amenities you offer your renters, whether or not you give your renters access to a private dock, and other factors. Average lakefront rentals with a dock can go for between $1,200 and $1,500 per week.
♦Who owns these lakefront homes, and where do they come from?
The typical Chautauqua Lake vacation home owner is 54 years old, earned just over $220,000 last year, and purchased a home approximately 220 miles from their primary residence. Approximately 34% live over 500 miles from their lake home, and just over 30% live only 100 miles from their lake home. Most of these owners are driving to the lake.
♦Why would a seller sell?
There are basically two reasons why sellers sell. They either need or want a larger home or they have changed their desired vacation location.
CHAUTAUQUA LAKE REAL ESTATE - VACANT LOTS
♦Are there any waterfront lots available?
As noted in the following yearly averages chart, there are absolutely vacant lakefront and lake related lots being sold.CLOSED DATA - AVERAGES*CHAUTAUQUA LAKE VACANT LAND | |||||||
Year | List Price | Closed Price | Bed's | Baths | Est. SF | DOM | Sales |
'09 Avg. | 52,433 | 49,267 | --- | --- | --- | 65 | 3 |
'09 Low | 29,900 | 29,900 | --- | --- | --- | 8 | --- |
'09 High | 64,900 | 64,900 | --- | --- | --- | 107 | --- |
'08 Avg. | 115,700 | 97,429 | --- | --- | --- | 211 | 7 |
'08 Low | 35,000 | 15,000 | --- | --- | --- | 420 | --- |
'08 High | 239,000 | 225,000 | --- | --- | --- | 223 | --- |
'07 Avg. | 452,278 | 403,444 | --- | --- | --- | 117 | 9 |
'07 Low | 75,000 | 35,000 | --- | --- | --- | 7 | --- |
'07 High | 2,500,000 | 2,300,000 | --- | --- | --- | 415 | --- |
*All data for Chautauqua Lake closed vacant land averages, as above, derived from Chautauqua County Board of Realtors website.
"DOM" refers to Days on Market. This is the timeframe from when a home is listed until it closes. A home can get an accepted offer on day one of being on the market, but take another five months to close because of complications with financing, title, etc. The average closing time for an accepted offer is 60 days.
♦Are homes being built?
There are most definitely new homes being built around Chautauqua Lake. More common, though, is the tear-down and rebuild or extensive renovation. This should help solidify to any potential lakefront buyer the incredible stability of our area and how much our owners love being here.
♦How much does it cost to build?
You will, of course, have to ask yourself many questions to arrive at this answer. What do I want? How big do I want or need? Gourmet kitchen or country-sheek? We would be happy to put you in touch with local contractors and/or architects that would be more than happy to discuss all your options.
♦Do I need a building permit if I want to add on or renovate?
We think it would be best to ask your local town or village building inspector for specific answers. But generally, if you are changing the footprint of the home you should expect to get a building permit. Your contractor will also provide you with information in this regard.
♦Can I hire people to maintain my home?
We would be more than happy to provide you with references for just about anything you need done at your home.
CHAUTAUQUA LAKE REAL ESTATE - FINANCING
♦How much of a downpayment should I expect?
Most buyers should expect to put down 20% in today's lending environment. There are some lenders that may only require 10% for those buyers whose credit score is 730 or above and whose debt-to-income ratio is excellent. We are always trying to find the best, most reasonable lenders and will definitely give you the name of someone we have worked with if you would like such a referral.
♦Are home inspections common and/or necessary?
Yes, they are common. No, they are not necessary. BUT, we highly recommend to all of our clients that they have one done. New York Home Inspectors must be licensed (January 18, 2006). Under a new state law in New York, home inspectors are required to be licensed before they can inspect a home for compensation. The New York State Association of REALTORS® alerted its members in a recent Government Affairs Update that, according to the New York Department of State, real estate licensees are obligated to make sure that the home inspectors they recomend to customers, clients, buyers, and sellers are licensed. You can expect to pay between $250.00 to $400.00 for a basic inspection and $100.00 per incident for additional services.
♦Do I need an attorney to close my transaction?
Absolutely. We highly recommend using an attorney from this area. We can recommend several to choose from. You will find that any problem occurring with closing should be handled much more efficiently when you are working with local professionals who have established relationships with every party involved in getting the deal together.
♦Do I need flood insurance for my lake home?
The entire lake is considered a flood zone according to FEMA www.msc.fema.gov as are most shorelands in the United States. Your lender may require it. No state or local regulation or federal law mandates it.
♦What about 1031 Exchanges for a Chautauqua Lake home?
Section 1031 of the Internal Revenue Code contains serious tax benefits for property owners who qualify—and who plan before they leap into a sale. “Even though this is an old law, enacted by Congress in 1921, only a relatively small number of people utilize it,” notes Tom Torsney, senior vice president of TIMCOR Exchange Corporation, a national qualifying intermediary. “With less tax to pay, more money can be reinvested into more valuable property. It’s one of the last great tax breaks,” Torsney declares. “It is a means of building wealth, using undiminished gains to reinvest into more valuable property.”
A Section 1031 exchange is not a do-it-yourself project. The IRS has rigid specifications, including the use of a qualifying intermediary (QI) to hold the property and money until the exchange is completed with acquisition and transfer of the replacement property. Consult with a financial planner or tax accountant, and find a reputable professional QI before you sell. Follow these basic rules:
1031 Exchanges DO:
Plan ahead to meet all requirements of Section 1031.
Establish a rental history for vacation home property. The IRS has not set a firm rule, but attorney Richard Lipton, tax partner with Baker & McKenzie in Chicago, advises a minimum two years of rental history, but prefers five years.
Report change of use from personal to rental/investment to IRS by filing return showing rental income and expenses. “The biggest trap taxpayers fall into is to not establish a paper trail,” advises Scott Saunders, senior vice president of Asset Preservation, Inc.
Secure the services and advice of a reputable and knowledgeable attorney, tax accountant, and qualified intermediary. Make sure a reputable qualified intermediary holds all funds and title until the exchange is completed.
Identify replacement property within 45 days of date of transfer of property being relinquished in an exchange.
Have the replacement property transferred to exactly the same ownership as the relinquished property.
Complete the exchange within 180 days of transfer of relinquished property.
1031 Exchanges DO NOT:
Use a home for personal use more than 14 days a year, or ten percent of annual total occupied days, for at least one year. Two or more may be safer.
Select replacement property of lesser value than the relinquished property, unless prepared to pay taxes on the ‘boot’ or difference in value.
Allow a relative or personal agent such as attorney, Realtor, or accountant to act as the intermediary because the IRS will not qualify such an agent as independent.
Take control of proceeds from relinquished property or title of acquired property at any point before the exchange is completed.
Use 1031 exchanges for ‘flipping’ rental properties. Property held primarily for sale vs. investment does not qualify warns Jon Christianson, Vice President and General Counsel for Asset Preservation, Inc.
Wait for an audit to try to establish investment or rental use of exchange property.
CHAUTAUQUA LAKE GENERAL INFORMATION
♦What is lake access, deeded lake rights, lake rights, etc.?
Lake Front: Self-explanatory, and the most valuable of all lake related properties.
Canal Front: Homes located on the canals around the lake. Example: Vukote, Keller Road, Mill Road, Shore Acres. Affordable water properties generally under $250,000. The ability to dock your boat outside your door, almost always without exception.
Lake Access: An overused marketing term. Anybody from anywhere in the world has "lake access" to any public lake. In Chautauqua terms you are in an area with a cut-thru that allows possible pick up and drop off, but no dock slip. Very little value added to the real estate.
Deed Lake Rights: Generally means you have in your deed access to an area of the lake that allows you to have a boat slip on possibly a shared or private dock. DLR's are through neighborhood groups or associations. Sunset Bay and Greenhurst on Route 430 and Sunrise Cove on Route 394 are some examples of Deeded Lake Right communities. A yearly fee may be involved. There is value added to a home with deeded lake rights.
NOTE: Deeded Lake Rights does not gurantee that you will get a boat slip. That is determined by the association or individual(s) that oversee the dock(s). You may find you have pick up and drop off rights only and/or just the right to access the lake over a deeded right-of-way to stick your feet in or go swimming.
Lake Rights: Is interchagable at times with deeded lake rights. It is best to investigate and possibly put a contingency in the contract for sale asking for a complete understanding of the meaning. Many homeowners have been surprised to find they have no lake rights, but rather they just got along well with the neighbors over the years and developed a camraderie that allowed a dock, boat slip, etc., only to find when they went to sell the home there was no legal conveyance of that enjoyment, which affected value.
♦What does the name Chautauqua mean?
Chautauqua is a Seneca word. The most favored translation is "bag tied in the middle". From above, it does look as if it were a long bag tied in the center. Whatever the correct meaning of its name, however, there is no disputing Chautauqua Lake's inextricable link to the people and the history of Chautauqua. We invite you to view this link for detailed information about the lake including weather, map, statistics, etc. (http://www.lakelubbers.com/chautauqua-lake-293/).
♦How big is Chautauqua Lake?
The mean elevation is 1,308 feet, and the lake has an area of about 20 square miles. The distance from Celoron to Mayville is 14.7 miles. From the boat landing at Jamestown through the Chadakoin River (known locally as the outlet) to Mayville is 17.7 miles. The width varies from about 1,000 feet at the Bemus Point-Stow ferry to two miles wide at three places. The upper, northern end of the lake is the deepest section from 20 up to 75 feet in the Long Point- Maple Springs area. The lower lake runs from 30 feet deep near Bemus Point to less than 10 feet near Celoron. The lake has approximately 45 miles of shoreline.
♦How long does it take to get to the lake from Pittsburgh, Cleveland, and other major cities?
You will find that Chautauqua Lake and the surrounding communities are very well located for travel from any of the major cities from New York, Pennsylvania, Ohio, and even Canada. In most cases, by the time you need to stop for a break, you will be here. We have listed some of the major cities and the distance in time it should generally take to arrive to the Chautauqua area.
Buffalo, New York - 1.25 hrs.
Rochester, New York - 2.25 hrs.
Erie, Pennsylvania - 40 min.
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania - 2.5 hrs.
Cleveland, Ohio - 2 hrs.
Columbus, Ohio - 4 hrs.
Cincinnati, Ohio - 5.5 hrs.
Toronto, Canada - 3 hrs.
♦Does the lake flood?
There is no experience in recent history of the lake causing any property damage due to flooding. The lake depth is controlled by the Jamestown BPU (Electric Generating Plant) in Jamestown on the Chadakoin River. During the spring snow and ice melt, the BPU on occasion will open the gates to regulate flow.
♦How is the water quality?
Chautauqua Lake is stream and spring fed and closely watched for water quality.
♦Can you swim in the lake?
There are a number of good places to anchor your boat and go swimming around the lake where the water is 3-4 feet deep so you can relax and the kids can have fun. You'll hear some of these places referred to as "Sandy Bottom". There are also a number of local lakeside parks that are great for wading and splashing on a hot day. Many of them offer playground areas, picnic tables or pavilions, and places to BBQ. Visit http://tourchautauqua.com/Beaches.aspx for a complete list of all the beaches on all the area lakes.
♦What about the weeds we hear so much about?
Weeds are being addressed on many fronts by private and goverment agencies and continuing success is being made. 2008 saw an extremly diminished weed population. It is an indepth subject with many view points. Our experience as Realtors over the past 10 years of being associated with the lake is that there are many good people working hard to address the weeds and other quality of life issues that affect the lake and local economy. The subject is much to broad to cover on this page. Please refer to www.chautauqualake.org or www.chautauquawatershed.org.
The attached Short files will give you an excellent overview of the success in defeating Chautauqua Lake weeds. Published by the Chautauqua Lake Association and Cornell University Research Ponds. 2008-2009
Page 1 http://control.cisdata.net/bin/filelink.php/AR77818/72f0698422b4352b478ce59b107652d0/
Page 2 http://control.cisdata.net/bin/filelink.php/AR77818/6fb77ac815c071173ff679ecc4f6ae06/
Page 3 http://control.cisdata.net/bin/filelink.php/AR77818/95e4e211a239b009af3b5150f222f6ad/
Page 4 http://control.cisdata.net/bin/filelink.php/AR77818/aa7cc75e3ab5adf5fb2b460b132c23b9/
The economic impact Chautauqua Lake has on the local economy is enormous and getting bigger. The tourist dollars and real estate taxes generated are in the millions upon millions of dollars. It serves everybody to have the lake as healthy a recreational area as possible. The Weeder's Digest www.weedersdigest.com was developed for the benefit of those who are seeking new and innovative ways to address problematic aquatic issues.
♦Are the roads around the lake plowed in the winter?
The public roads are very well maintained in the winter. Private roads are a case by case basis. Most are plowed by a resident or a formal or informal association of neighbors. If you want a driveway plowed there are countless people who will do that for a very reasonable fee. Ask us for referrals.
BOATING, DOCKING, & MARINAS
♦Where can I purchase an aluminum or wooden dock and boat lift?
You will probably have the most luck at Chautauqua Iron Works, 5239 West Lake Road, Mayville, NY 14757. Their phone number is 716-753-3163, and they specialize in RGC Marine Products and have a complete dock line. Even other local boat dealers recommend them.
♦When can I put my dock in?
You can either put it in yourself or hire someone to do it for you. Most of the locals start putting their docks in around Memorial Day, but some may even wait until June.
♦When should I take my dock out?
You will definitely notice docks coming out by October usually no later than the very beginning of November.
♦How big of a boat can I safely put on the lake?
Depending on the water level during any given season, most docks should accomodate a boat from 20-25 feet. Any larger than that and you may want to dock at a marina where the water level is typically higher. Pontoon boats are very popular in the area as well.
♦Is there winter storage available for my boat?
Marinas can handle your boat bow to stearn. There are also building and barn owners who store boats for the winter. Costs are generally determined by length of boat and services desired.
♦Are there public boat ramps?
Almost every town or community around Chautauqua Lake has at least one public boat ramp.
♦Are there public docks in Bemus Point, Mayville, and Lakewood?
In Bemus Point the public docks are located to the north or left of the Casino (looking from the lake). In Mayville they are located outside the Watermark Restaurant. We are not aware of any public docks in Lakewood yet, but they are rumored to be putting some in at Packard Park at the foot of Chautauqua Avenue.
♦How many marinas are there?
There are approximately five marinas around Chautauqua Lake right now. They are Chautauqua Marina in Mayville (716-753-3913), Ready About Sailing Inc. in Celoron (716-664-3883), Shore Acres Boat Yard in Bemus Point (716-386-4092), Smith Boys of Chautauqua Inc. in Ashville (716-763-0140), and Snug Harbor Marina & Service Center in Chautauqua (716-789-3535).
♦What does dock space cost at a marina?
Some marinas charge by the season no matter what your boat size. Some charge based on boat size and amenities you wish to have at your dock space (water, electric). And then some charge per foot based on boat size. A normal dock space could cost as low as $515 to $700 for the entire season. A more elaborate dock space could cost as high as $1,200 per season. If you are paying by the foot you can expect to pay in the range of $29 per foot.
RECREATION AROUND CHAUTAUQUA LAKE & CHAUTAUQUA COUNTY
♦Can I rent a boat or jet ski?
Chautauqua Marina in Mayville is going to be your best and most comprehensive resource for boat and jet ski rentals. Visit their website at http://www.chautauquamarina.com/.
♦How is the fishing?
Some fishermen and sportsmen that visit our area call Chautauqua Lake a hidden treasure. Visit the following websites for an extensive view of fishing and regulations on Chautauqua Lake. http://chautauquafishhunt.com/Chautauqua_County_Lakes.html or http://www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/9230.html or http://tourchautauqua.com/Fishing.aspx.
♦How is the golfing?
We were voted "The Best Little Golf Town in America" by Golf Digest. Some people believe that you can play 30 days straight within a one hour radius of Jamestown and never repeat the same course. Follow this link for very detailed golf course information here in Chautauqua County. http://www.wnygolfcourses.com/chautauqua_county.htm
♦Did I hear someone say there is a floating stage on Chautauqua Lake?
The Italian Fisherman Restaurant, lakeside in Bemus Point has a large stage that floats. From Memorial Day thru Labor Day they host weekly concerts of all types that can be viewed from land or boat. http://www.italianfisherman.com/
♦Did I hear about a casino on Chautauqua Lake?
The Village Casino in Bemus Point is actually a lakeside restaurant that can be accessed from land or boat. They offer casual dining, banquet facilities, and entertainment. You can view their website here http://www.bemuspointcasino.com/. For those of you that wish to go to a gambling casino, you may be interested in visiting the Seneca Allegany Casino & Hotel located at Exit 20 of Interstate 86. You can visit their website here http://www.senecaalleganycasino.com/.
♦What is the Summer Wind?
Looking for a fun and unique way to tour Chautauqua Lake while relaxing during a great meal? Charter a cruise on the Summer Wind during your next visit here between May and October. Check out their website here http://www.thesummerwind.com/ for a complete list of their schedule and events.
♦Can I ride my snowmobile on the roads?
Snowmobile areas are posted with green signs that have a white snowmobile on them. Please visit the Chautauqua Lake Snowmobile Club's website for detailed information about trails, rules, DMV requirements, etc. http://www.ChautauquaSnow.com/. Another great snowmobile area is Allegany State Park (http://www.nysparks.state.ny.us/parks/158/details.aspx), which boasts 90 miles of groomed trails and over 150 winterized cabins. Located at Exits 18 and 19 off Interstate 86.
OTHER CHAUTAUQUA COUNTY AREAS OF INTEREST TO VISIT
♦What is the Chautauqua Institution?
Per their website (http://www.ciweb.org) the Chautauqua Institution is "a non-for-profit organization that serves as a community, a center, and a resource where the human spirit is renewed, minds stimulated, faith restored and the arts valued. It has performance venues, a hotel, a golf course, tennis courts, and educational and recreational facilities.
For nine weeks each year, from late June through late August, the Institution offers a rich blend of arts, programming and recreational activities. Its educational mission is continued during the rest of the year with programs for older adults, Elderhostels and other learning programs.
Chautauqua’s Department of Religion provides a wide variety of worship services and programs that express its Christian heritage and its interfaith commitment. It provides lectures and educational programs that probe contemporary religious and theological ideas, in the confidence that people seeking truth and understanding will benefit from such exploration.
The Department of Religion strives to create a climate in which people that cherish various points of view and beliefs can exchange ideas, discuss their differences, and ponder the significance of their diverse experiences and insights.
The Chautauqua Institution was founded in 1874 and is located on beautiful Chautauqua Lake near Jamestown, New York." You can visit for a day, a week, or the entire season. Their website is invaluable for planning your Chautauqua Institution event.
If you are considering a high-end lakefront property around Chautauqua Lake, why not look into owning a piece of history in the Institution. We would love to schedule a private showing within the gated community.
♦What about Bear, Cassadaga, Erie, and Findley Lakes?
Interested in another lake other than Chautauqua? We can accomodate any of these fine areas as well. Please see the following links to each lake and be sure to ask if your question has not been answered.
Bear Lake (http://www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/26972.html)
Cassadaga Lakes (http://www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/26964.html)
Erie Lake (http://www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/9217.html)
Findley Lake (http://findleylake.info/)
♦What about Long Point State Park?
Per their website (http://nysparks.state.ny.us/parks/109/details.aspx) "Long Point, which juts peninsula-like into Lake Chautauqua, is one of the moraines left long ago by a retreating glacier. The park and marina comprise a day-use area with thickly-wooded areas of beech, maple, spruce, poplar and oak. The park's boat launch is the most modern on Lake Chautauqua, which, at 1,308 feet above sea level, is one of the highest navigable bodies of water in North America. Located just around the corner from Bemus Point or Maple Springs, this state park is convenient for everyone.
♦What about Allegany State Park?
Per the website http://www.nysparks.state.ny.us/parks/158/details.aspx "Allegany State Park's 65,000 acres is known for its primitive forested valleys, un-glaciated landscape, fall leaves and wildlife. The two developed areas, Red House and Quaker, make this the largest state park in the system. Both areas offer sand beaches, picnic areas, museums, hiking trails and naturalist walks. Walkers and bicycle riders take advantage of the 5 miles of paved trails around Red House. The Art Roscoe Ski Touring Area has some of the finest groomed cross country skiing and mountain bike trails in the Northeast." Located at Exits 18 and 19 off Interstate 86.
♦How far away are Peek'n Peak, Holiday Valley, and Cockaigne Resorts?
Peek'n Peak Resort and Spa is located just 40 minutes from the Interstate 86/Route 394 interchange (http://www.pknpk.com/); Holiday Valley is located just 45 minutes from the same area (http://www.holidayvalley.com/); and Cockaigne Ski Area is located just 15-30 minutes from Chautauqua Lake (http://cockaigne.com/).
